“I was stupid and allowed my manager and almost everyone else to tell me what’s best for me. That’s not going to happen any longer.” The feeling of his fingers touching me brought such a wave of desire and emotion that I was caught up in the moment.
When he lowered his head until our lips were almost touching, I leaned into him, longing for the powerful man to kiss me. Then something told both of us at the same time maybe the thought should be pushed aside.
Sasha huffed and took a purposeful step away. “Would you like me to be your escort? I assume Bernie and Danny maintain security when you’re at home.”
Home.
I really didn’t have much of a home any longer since I was on the road so much, although I had to admit that with the residency, I’d also been given a lovely furnished home to stay in. It had been the first time I’d been able to relax and enjoy doing nothing but reading a book in as long as I could remember.
“They do get time off. I’m perfectly fine in my house.” Although I hated to admit that given Damien’s three phone calls over the last two days and his visit, I doubted he was finished with trying to bully me.
Sasha shook his head. “That’s not good enough. I’m going to augment your security with men in my employ. Nothing against Bernie or Danny as they are very nice guys, but my men won’t hesitate to do what’s necessary to keep you safe.”
I could tell he meant what he was saying. He’d have someone follow behind me twenty-four/seven if necessary, without batting an eye. “That’s very sweet, but I really can take care of myself. Plus, this very nice man provided me with a lovely home that included a state-of-the-art security system.”
“A nice man, huh?” When he smiled, which wasn’t very often, he commanded a room. He had the whole dark, gritty, brooding, and dangerous package including muscles that gave no illusion to the damage he could cause to anyone who got in his way. Up until now, I hadn’t been privy to his intimidating side, seeing him always impeccably dressed and ruthlessly professional.
My core was on fire.
Emotions hit me hard. All the years. All the fabrications of the truth. All the family gatherings I’d missed out on. Had I sacrificed my happiness for a good reason? Yes. Sadly, doing so was no longer an option. What that meant for my future I didn’t know, but this just wasn’t working any longer.
Nodding, I sensed the fear and anxiety beginning to fade. Sasha had that much of a calming effect on me. “Very nice. Also, not too bad in the looks department either. What is it they say? Easy on the eyes.” My mother would call this flirting with disaster, but I felt safe in pushing the envelope. Especially since it would never go anywhere.
He cocked his head, laughing softly, the sound as smooth as a drape of velvet pressed against my naked skin. I shuddered and could tell he caught my reaction. “Well, I don’t like the guy already. Too pushy.”
“Maybe not pushy enough.”
Was he flirting with me? He must be since the heat in the room escalated and I was close to perspiring. I would definitely call what I was doing flirting with him.
“No one has ever said that to me before.” His voice deepened even more.
“I bet they haven’t. So you know. I do like being the first.” While the attraction to him had occurred quickly, the more I’d learned about him, including about his adorable little girl, the more I’d wanted to get to know him. He was multifaceted, not the rich asshole corporate mogul type I was used to dealing with. Was he rich and in some ways even more famous than I was? Yes, but he didn’t flaunt his wealth or have an arrogant personality.
Even if what he’d just displayed allowed me to know in no uncertain terms he didn’t take kindly to anyone pushing his buttons.
I had to wonder if that included me.
“The first. I’ll keep that in mind.” A handsome man like him could easily have any woman he wanted, yet I hadn’t seen him with any woman other than brief discussions with employees. Yes, I’d paid attention when possible.
“So aren’t you going to ask me?” I pushed.
What are you doing, girl?I’d never been this forward.
“What question would that be?” The gleam in his eyes indicated he was goading me. What the hell. I’d just promised myself I’d take destiny into my hands from now on. Why not ask for what I wanted.
“Aren’t you going to invite me for a drink? Call it a post residency celebration.”
The heated way in which he was studying me kept the tiny prickles flowing.
“I have no problem asking you to have a drink with me, but I won’t be celebrating you leaving.”
He was suddenly closer again, so much so the intensity of his musky aftershave boosted the tingling sensations from before. “So ask me.”
Sasha lifted an eyebrow. “Fine. Ms. Rose. Would you consider having a drink with me?”
I pressed my hand against his chest, resisting the scattered moan threatening to give away my crazy desire. “I thought you’d never ask.”
CHAPTER 3
